The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors Questions FCC Internet Jurisdiction Ahead of Net Neutrality Vote
An Alliance of Television and New Media Content Creators Releases Statement Warning That Agency's Authority Should Be Established First

LOS ANGELES, May 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors is an alliance of television and new media content creators that strives to elevate program quality in television and new media by promoting and protecting the artistic, intellectual and economic rights of producers, writers & directors. www.caucus.org.

Open Letter to the US Congress, FCC and the American People

The internet, that extraordinary and seamless enterprise that has served us all so well and upon which dependsthe future of commerce, communication and entertainment is to be arbitrarily adulterated by a handful of bureaucrats: five unelected members of the Federal Communications Commission who seem sure that while the internet isn't broken and in fact works with brilliant efficiency, it will not survive unless they fix it. This authority has not been directly delegated to them by Congress but they're quite certain it is within their jurisdiction anyway. This means one of the greatest creations in modern history, a creation that directly affects and shapes the lives of every human being on the planet, is about to be twisted and ripped from the hands of we who depend upon it and recreate it on a daily basis.

The excuse for their interference is something called "net neutrality" and it is their intention to use this to legislate by administrative decree the future of the internet. In a gesture to the hundreds of millions of people whose lives will be fundamentally affected by their decision, they've allocated all of 30 days for public hearings, from May 15 – June 15, leaving almost no time for thorough preparation. This is the only input they will receive before having their way with what, according to industry sources, is a 14.4 trillion dollar industry. The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors, the only united voice of Producers, Writers, Directors and New Media, is absolutely convinced that the internet deserves more than 30 days of public consideration, and closer attention than five FCC bureaucrats who are hardly known to the public. We appeal to members of Congress in both the House and the Senate — indeed, all Americans — to speak up now and prevent government by dictatorial regulation. We urge you to join with us in letting our elected representatives know that we will no longer accept the unchecked authority of administrators and regulators reaching beyond their jurisdiction.

The internet belongs to everyone. If it needs fixing, that's a job for Congress. A serious job deserves serious consideration. By all of us. The FCC must delay any further action to regulate in this area until their jurisdiction is determined.